Interchangeably customizable cosmetic device

ABSTRACT

A cosmetic holder or case having a base with receptacles for cosmetics and a cover connected in a hinged fashion to permit opening and closing of the cover to alternately reveal and conceal the interior of the base and the housed cosmetic product. The interior of the cover may include a mirror to aid in applying the cosmetic product. The holder is combined with a set of adornment features such as sets of decals having different theme or pattern to allow consumers to 1) select a set of adornment appealing to them, 2) select a base color theme appealing to them, 3) to arrange a set of adornment elements in a personalized and unique manner. The cover includes a removable transparent panel that 1) allows the user to apply the selected set of adornment features and/or to include other personalized items and 2) protects the adornment features from damage during use.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION AND CLAIM OF PRIORITY

The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional PatentApplication 62/983,187, entitled INTERCHANGEABLY CUSTOMIZABLE COSMETICDEVICE, filed Feb. 28, 2020, which is incorporated herein in theentirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present application relates to the design of a class of beauty andcosmetic products that facilitates personalization. In addition, theinvention relates to cosmetic product systems adapted for accessingcosmetic product stored in containers commonly carried in a purse, bag,backpack or other personal carry bag.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Beauty products are often showcased or otherwise displayed; consumerspost photos of shelves and medicine cabinets stocked with beautyproducts on Instagram, they leave products within view on vanities, andthey carry products around in purses and backpacks. While most beautyproducts, including eye palettes, lip products, face products such asbronzer and contour, and skincare, are designed to be beautiful, theyare also impersonal. They are packaged or adorned with standardizedbranding and a set decorative color patterned to complement the brandlogo and other source identifiers. Customers lack the ability tocustomize or select the adornment associated with the highly personalcosmetic product purchased by them.

What is needed is a product that provides for a customizable decorativeappearance while providing a user accessible cosmetic product holder ina compact, mobile housing for containing the product to avoid undesiredand unintended spillage for an improved customer experience.

What is needed is a product that can deliver an elevated consumerexperience while providing effective packaging and functional advantagesin presenting and facilitating user access and use of cosmetic product.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a product capable of personalizedadornment and replaceable adornment and a means for permitting access tofacilitate application and removal or replacement of adornment elements.

The present invention may be applied to a wide range of beauty orcosmetic products. In one embodiment the present invention comprises acosmetic or make-up holder or case, for example in the form of apalette, having a base or main housing with one or more receptacles forcosmetic or make-up product, e.g., blush, foundation, concealer, powder,eye shadow, highlighter, contour, etc. The receptacle(s) may or may notbe removable. The holder or case includes a base and a cover connectedin a hinged fashion to permit opening and closing of the cover toalternately reveal and conceal the interior of the base and the housedcosmetic product. In one embodiment, the cover remains securely in placewhen not in use and can be opened by the consumer during normal use andclosed for storage when not in use. The interior of the cover mayinclude a mirror to aid in applying the cosmetic product and the holdermay optionally include a separate brush and brush receptacle or otherapplication implement.

The invention provides a physical cosmetic receptacle or holder combinedwith a set of adornment features. For example the customizable cosmeticholder may be provided or coupled with one or more sets of decals orsticker adornment sets having different theme or pattern to allowconsumers to 1) select a set of adornment appealing to them, 2) select abase color theme appealing to them, 3) to arrange a set of adornmentelements, e.g., stickers or decals, in a highly personalized and uniquemanner desired by the user. The cover includes a removable transparentpanel that allows the user to apply the set of adornment features and/orto include other personalized items, e.g., photos, non-providedstickers. The slidable transparent panel allows the adornment to beadded when it is removed and when it is in place, it protects theadornment from damage during normal use and transport. In one manner thecover is held in place by a retention mechanism, e.g., a latch, matingprotrusion and recess in the base and cover, a magnet, and is allowed torotate about a hinge. For example, a pin and pin receiving hole oropening, a notch, a protrusion and mating recess.

In a first embodiment, the present invention provides a customizablecosmetics case comprising: a palette base comprising a set of individualcompartments for storing therein a set of cosmetic products; a coverhaving an outer surface and an inner surface, the cover adapted to berotatably connected to the palette base along one side of the palettebase; a transparent outer panel adapted to be removably disposed on theouter surface of the cover; a set of decorative elements selectable by auser and placeable by the user in a custom arrangement on the outersurface of the cover; a hinge arrangement operatively connecting thecover to the palette base and allowing the cover to be rotated from aclosed position to an open position; and a reflective panel disposedintermediate the palette base and the cover and being concealed to auser with the cover in a closed position and revealed to the user withthe cover in an open position; whereby one or more decorative elementsselected by a user and placed on the outer surface of the cover areviewable through and protected by the transparent outer panel; wherebywith the cover in a closed position the contents of the palette base areenclosed and protected from inadvertent contact or spillage.

The first exemplary embodiment of the present invention may be furthercharacterized in one or more of the following manners: wherein the hingearrangement includes a pair of hinge components operatively connectingthe cover to the palette base; wherein the palette base comprises apalette having a set of cosmetic product receptacles, a bottom cover,and a first hinge component, and the cover comprises a second hingecomponent configured to cooperate with the first hinge component toprovide for rotation of the cover about an axis parallel with a backedge of the cover and a back edge of the palette base; wherein a backportion of the cover and a back portion of the palette base come intocontact to provide a stop or limit to the rotational movement of thecover about the axis and thereby define a fully open position; furthercomprising a set of channels disposed along the sides of the cover toreceive the transparent panel and a set of locking features tosemi-permanently affix the transparent panel in place on the cover andover the outer surface of the cover; wherein the reflective panel isaffixed to an interior surface of the cover; wherein the palette baseincludes a set of removable cosmetic product receptacles, whereby a usermay remove the set of removable cosmetic product receptacles and inserta replacement set of cosmetic product receptacles; and furthercomprising a cover retention mechanism configured to retain the cover ina closed position to prevent undesired rotation of the cover about thehinge.

In a second embodiment, the present invention provides a method forselecting and assembling a set of cosmetic case and adornment componentsto arrive at an interchangeably customizable cosmetic case, the methodcomprising: presenting a user with a plurality of sets of decorativeitems for selection by the user; selecting, by the user, a set ofdecorative items from the plurality of sets of decorative items, theselected set of decorative items for use in decorating a customizablecosmetic product, the customizable cosmetic product having a removabletransparent panel and a display area for receiving selected sets ofdecorative items for display; receiving, by the user, the selected setof decorative or adornment items; removing, by the user, the transparentpanel to render accessible the display area; and placing, by the user,in a custom manner decorative items from the selected set of decorativeitems on the display area and returning the removed transparent panel tothe cover over the display area and securing the transparent panel tothe cover using a locking means provided on the customizable cosmeticproduct.

The second exemplary embodiment of the present invention may be furthercharacterized in one or more of the following manners: furthercomprising: establishing, by a user operating a remote device, aconnection with a central server operated by a cosmetic provider;presenting, by the central server, a user interface configured to enablethe user to view and select from the plurality of sets of decorativeitems; further comprising: at a time subsequent to an initial placementof decorative items, removing, by the user, the transparent panel andselectively changing, adding, and/or removing decorative items on thedisplay surface and replacing the transparent panel thereby altering theappearance of the customizable cosmetics product; and further comprisingplacing, by a user, a set of personal items on the display surface topersonalize the customizable cosmetic product.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order to facilitate a full understanding of the present invention,reference is now made to the accompanying drawings, in which likeelements are referenced with like numerals. These drawings should not beconstrued as limiting the present invention but are intended to beexemplary and for reference.

FIG. 1 provides an exploded perspective view of the componentscomprising a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a series of views of a transparent panel or drawer accordingto the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a series of views of a main cover according to the firstembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a series of views of a reflective panel or mirror according tothe first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a series of views of a base or palette according to the firstembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a series of views of a bottom panel according to the firstembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a series of perspective views of an assembled cosmetic case orholder and an unassembled base component according to the firstembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a series of views of a partial assembly comprising the coverand transparent panel in opened and closed positions and retentionmechanism according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a series of perspective views of an assembled cosmetic case orholder with cover in open and closed positions and decorative elementsapplied according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a series of views of a system comprising a set of decorativeor adornment elements for use in configuring a customized cosmetic caseillustrating decorative elements applied to a cover along with acomplementary cosmetic product set including a set of applicationimplements and other cosmetics having a common decorative themeaccording to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a method for providing and assembling a set of cosmetic caseand adornment components to arrive at an interchangeably customizablecosmetic case according to the first embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 12 provides an exploded perspective view of the componentscomprising a second embodiment customizable cosmetic case of the presentinvention.

FIG. 13 provides a cross-sectional view of an assembled customizablecosmetic case of the second embodiment of FIG. 12.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention will now be described in more detail withreference to exemplary embodiments as shown in the accompanyingdrawings. While the present invention is described herein with referenceto the exemplary embodiments, it should be understood that the presentinvention is not limited to such exemplary embodiments. Those possessingordinary skill in the art and having access to the teachings herein willrecognize additional implementations, modifications, and embodiments, aswell as other applications for use of the invention, which are fullycontemplated herein as within the scope of the present invention asdisclosed and claimed herein, and with respect to which the presentinvention could be of significant utility. Also, although dimensions areprovided in the various drawings, the invention is not limited to theparticular dimensions. However, to accomplish the functionalitydescribed hereinbelow, certain relationships may be described asnecessary to align mating components of the various components forpurposes of retention, closing, latching, sliding engagement, and otherpurposes.

With reference now to FIG. 1, interchangeably customizable case 100 isshown in an exploded perspective view of a first embodiment of thepresent invention. Case 100 comprises a transparent top panel or outercover 200, a rotatable cover 300, a reflective panel or mirror 400, abase or palette 500, and a bottom 600. Each of these exemplarycomponents is described in detail below.

With reference now to FIG. 2 a transparent panel or drawer 200 is shownin a series of views. The panel 200 is configured to be slidinglyreceived in and retained by oppositely facing channels 308 along thesides of main cover 300, as shown in FIG. 3. As shown in FIG. 2, aseries or plurality of notches 202 are provided along the sides of thetransparent panel 200 and are located to mate with a complementaryseries or plurality of protrusions 302 formed or provided along thesides of the main cover 300 channels. Detail A provides an enlarged viewof the notches 202.

With reference now to FIG. 3 a main cover 300 is shown in a series ofviews. Main cover 300 includes longitudinal recesses 308 along each sideto permit sliding engagement and partial retention of transparent panel200. Protrusions 302 are provided, in this case four but there may beany suitable arrangement, to mate with notches 202 in panel 200 so as toprovide gentle stops as the panel 200 is slid so as to open or revealthe otherwise concealed top of cover 300 or slid so as to close the topof the cover 300 to prevent unintended damage to the items placed on thetop of the cover 300. A key point of the invention is to allow a user toremove the transparent panel 200 from the case or at least slide thepanel some distance so as to permit access to the area defined on thetop of the main cover 300. In this manner the invention allows a user toapply or place or paste or glue or tape items of adornment or decorationfor personalization of the case 100. As shown, a combination oftext-based decals or stickers 310 and/or image or artwork decals orsticker 312 may be applied to the top of the main cover 300 in acustomized or personalized manner so as to create a branded,personalized or unique appearance on the case 100. In one manner, theinvention allows a user to select from a set of themed adornment sets,e.g., a celebrity or influencer-inspired theme, and to apply theadornment elements in locations on the top of the main cover 300 asdesired. Further, the themed case 100 may include a partiallypre-populated or adorned main cover and the user may add to orsupplement the adornment package. The adornment elements may beremovable to permit a user to change the look or appearance of the case100 as desired. The user may also place home-made or personal content inthe area at the top of the cover, e.g., photos, stickers or other itemsnot included with the adornment set. Moreover, the provider of the case100 may set up an online or other customer interface to permit a user toselect adornment items to make a customized set or to upload photos ortext or preferred color-theme or other features of interest to createtheir own custom adornment pack which is then prepared for applicationand sent to the user along with the case 100 and/of other elements suchas described below in connection with FIG. 10.

As mentioned, the main cover 300 is preferably rotatably mounted on baseor palette 400 and as shown includes a longitudinal arm 304 runningsubstantially along the length of one side to the main cover for matingengagement with portions of base 500 to permit opening of the cover andto perform one or more of: preventing over-rotation, supporting the maincover in an open position, and retain the cover in place when closed.One or more magnets or other retention mechanisms may include along arm304 and/or portions of base 500 to hold or permit retention of the coverin a desired position and to prevent unintended closing or flapping.Main cover 300 includes a recess or cavity 306 for receiving mirror orreflective panel 400. A rotation pin or protuberance for receivingwithin a mating hole or recess on one or both of main cover 300 and base500 are exemplary means for rotating the cover between open and closedpositions. When the main cover 300 is rotatably opened to reveal thecosmetic product contained in the base or palette 500, the mirror isaccessible for use by the user to aid in applying the cosmetic productor otherwise.

With reference now to FIG. 4 a reflective panel or mirror is shown in aseries of views with exemplary dimensions. The dimensions of the mirroror panel 400 must match the dimensions of the recess or cavity 306 inthe bottom of main cover 300. The mirror or panel may be secured inplace by mechanical means or by adhesion such as glue or tape. Themirror may be made to be removed from the cover 300.

With reference now to FIG. 5 a base or palette is shown in a series ofviews and includes a matrix or array of depressions or cells 502 inwhich cosmetic property is place. A raised portion 504 provides an areafor decorative branding or other marking and may be included as part ofthe overall decorative theme in that a user may select from a variety ofcolors or text or other indicia included in portion 504. Next to raisedportion 504 is a lower or depressed portion 508 that substantiallyextends the length of the body of base 500. On one side of the base 500is a recess or void 506 that corresponds to the dimensions of arm 304 ofmain cover 300. A mating hinge structure is provided at the ends 514 ofthe recess 506 formed respectively on extended portions 510 and 512 ofbase 500 to align with hinge counterparts 314 to form a hinge forsecuring the main cover 300 to the base and allowing a user to rotatethe main cover relative to the housing at those fixed points and alongthe back side of the case 100 when in use. When closed, the main cover300 is configured to cover and conceal and protect the cosmetic itemsdeposited in cells 502 on the top of base 500. In this manner the coverprevents spillage and prevents damage to the contents of the case 100.When open the cover reveals the mirror for use in applying the make-upor other cosmetic product stored in base 500.

With reference now to FIG. 6 is a series of views of a bottom panelattached to the bottom of the base 500. Of course, the bottom of base500 may included a molded bottom rather than a separate component pieceand other components may be integral to the case body without detractingfrom the purposes of the present invention.

With reference now to FIG. 7 is a series of perspective views of anassembled cosmetic case or holder and an unassembled base componentaccording to a first embodiment of the present invention as describedherein. As shown text decals 310 and image or artwork decals 312 areapplied to the top surface of the main cover 300 for viewing.

With reference now to FIG. 8 is a series of views of a partial assemblycomprising the cover and transparent panel in opened and closedpositions and retention mechanism according to the first embodiment ofthe present invention. As shown the transparent panel 200 is slidable inbi-direction 804 between closed and open positions. As shown inconfiguration marked with reference 802, the transparent panel 200 isremoved or slid to the side to allow access to the top or exposedsurface of main cover 300 a user may apply in a customizable fashion thevarious decals 310 and 312 or other items of interest. Once completed,as shown in configuration marked with reference 806, the user may returnthe transparent panel to a closed position to prevent unwanted damage tothe items applied to the top surface of the main cover. As shown inDetail F, in a closed position protrusions or protuberances 302 of themain cover 300 are received into notches 202 of the transparent panel toprovide a secure engagement of the panel 200 with the cover 300.Although the base/panel subassembly is shown having fournotch/protrusion mating pairs this is not limiting to the invention. Onesuch pair is all that is needed to semi-secure the panel with the cover.A second notch/protrusion pair is used to semi-limit slidingdisengagement of the panel to provide a stop, which may be overcome withadditional force to completely remove the panel from the subassembly (orthe case 100 once completely assembled). Additional stops ornotch/protrusion pairs may be added for redundancy or for partial accessto the top surface of the cover 300.

In one manner, the present invention allows a user to access an onlineservice, such as a consumer-facing web portal of a cosmetics company, toenable online selection of decorative elements or sets of elements.These decorative elements may be related to an influencer, a model, anacting personality or other person of broad interest. For example, thevarious facilities and user interfaces disclosed in U.S. Non-Provisionalpatent application Ser. No. 16/388,424, entitled SYSTEM, METHOD AND USERINTERFACES AND DATA STRUCTURES IN A CROSS-PLATFORM FACILITY FORPROVIDING CONTENT GENERATION TOOLS AND CONSUMER EXPERIENCE (Holtzman),filed Apr. 18, 2019, which is incorporated by reference herein in theentirety. These user interfaces may be used in connection with themethod and flow described hereinbelow with reference to FIG. 11.

With reference now to FIG. 9 is a series of perspective views of anassembled cosmetic case or holder with cover in open position 902 andclosed position 904 relative to base 300 and decorative elements appliedaccording to the first embodiment of the present invention.

With reference now to FIG. 10 is a series of views of a system 1000comprising a case or palette 100, a set of other cosmetic utensils orproducts 102 and a set 104 of decorative or adornment elements 310/312for use in configuring a customized cosmetic case 100. As shown a userselects decorative elements 310/312 and applies them in a customizedfashion to a cover 300 of the case 100. In this manner a complementarycosmetic product set 1000 provides a customizable cosmetic product set1000 having a common decorative or color scheme or theme selectable by auser. The set of decorative elements may also be used to decorate orcustomize one or more items from the set of other utensils or products102. In this manner the system 1000 allows users to create their ownunique cosmetic set based on a common but selectable and customizabletheme.

With reference now to FIG. 11 is a method for selecting, providing andassembling a set of cosmetic case and adornment components to arrive atan interchangeably customizable cosmetic case according to the firstembodiment of the present invention. Although the method is described inconnection with a user operated remote computing device connecting witha central server of a cosmetic product provider, this is merely oneexample of the initial selection and ordering process that may be usedin connection with the present invention. It is understood that otherforms of initial selection, such as user visiting a bricks-and-mortarstore, a pop-up store, a kiosk (mall physical kiosk or computer-basedkiosk) may be used and is fully contemplated by the present invention.

At step 1102, in this optional example, a user establishes one or moreconnections with a central server operated by a cosmetic provider via aremote device, e.g., a computer or mobile phone, operated by theconsumer. At step 1104, the central server, e.g., a web server operatingvia a mobile application running on a user mobile device such as a smartphone, presents via a user interface a set of selectable decorativethemes for use by the user in customizing a set of cosmetic products. Atstep 1106, the user selects a theme and/or set of decorative oradornment items and a set of cosmetic products. At step 1108, the userreceives, e.g., via mail or other delivery methods or store pick-up, theselected set of decorative or adornment items for applying the items ina custom fashion to received cosmetic products. At step 1110, the userapplies the selected and received decorative or adornment elements (aswell as other personal items selected by the user) by removing (in wholeor part) a transparent panel from a cosmetic case to gain access to asurface on which to place decorative elements. At step 1112, the userplaces the decorative elements in a custom manner on the surface of thecover and replaces the transparent panel to a closed position. At step1114, subsequent to an initial placement of decorative items, a user mayalter the appearance of the cosmetic case or product by removing thetransparent panel and selectively changing, adding, removing decorativeitems on the cover surface and replacing the transparent panel to aclosed position.

In one combination the components described above provide a cosmetic ormake-up holder or case, for example in the form of a palette, having abase or main housing with one or more receptacles for cosmetic ormake-up product, e.g., blush, foundation, concealer, powder, eye shadow,highlighter, contour, etc. The receptacle(s) may or may not beremovable. The holder or case includes a base and a cover connected in ahinged fashion to permit opening and closing of the cover to alternatelyreveal and conceal the interior of the base and the housed cosmeticproduct. In one embodiment, the cover remains securely in place when notin use and can be opened by the consumer during normal use and closedfor storage when not in use. The interior of the cover may include amirror to aid in applying the cosmetic product and the holder mayoptionally include a separate brush and brush receptacle or otherapplication implement.

The invention provides a physical cosmetic receptacle or holder combinedwith a set of adornment features. For example the customizable cosmeticholder may be provided or coupled with one or more sets of decals orsticker adornment sets having different theme or pattern to allowconsumers to 1) select a set of adornment appealing to them, 2) select abase color theme appealing to them, 3) to arrange a set of adornmentelements, e.g., stickers or decals, in a highly personalized and uniquemanner desired by the user. The cover includes a removable transparentpanel that allows the user to apply the set of adornment features and/orto include other personalized items, e.g., photos, non-providedstickers. In one manner the cover is held in place by a retentionmechanism, e.g., a latch, mating protrusion and recess in the base andcover, a magnet, and is allowed to rotate about a hinge. For example, apin and pin receiving hole or opening, a notch, a protrusion and matingrecess.

With reference now to FIG. 12, a second exemplary embodiment of aninterchangeably customizable case 100 is shown in an explodedperspective view of a second embodiment of the present invention. Case100 comprises a transparent top panel or outer cover 200, a two-piecerotatable cover 300 (primary portion 340 and secondary portion 350), areflective panel or mirror 400, a base or palette 500, and a bottom 600.Each of these exemplary components is described in detail below. Asshown, primary cover portion 340 includes an elongated slot or channel335 or pair of channels 335 on either side of the cover 340 adapted toreceive a shoulder or ridge or protrusion or tabs or set of dogs 235formed along one or both sides of the cover 200. In this manner, cover200 is slidingly received within the channel(s) 335 and once in placeheld in place by operation of the fit between tabs 235 and receivingchannel(s) 335. Of course, the opposite arrangement of components235/335 as that described may be used to accomplish the same goal ofslidingly fixing the top panel or outer cover 200 to the rotatable cover300.

Cover 200 may be transparent as described herein above to permit a userto see decorative elements included or placed on the surface 352 ofcover 300. Alternatively, cover 200 may be removable and replaced with adifferent cover having a set of decorative elements. In this manner, thecustomizable case provides further ways to alter, change and customizethe case product. The cover includes a set of channels disposed alongthe sides of the cover to receive the transparent panel and a set oflocking features to semi-permanently affix the transparent panel inplace on the cover and over the outer surface of the cover.Semi-permanently means the panel may be intentionally removed to exposethe outer surface of the cover but is held in place securely duringnormal use and so as to prevent unwanted dislodging and damage or loss.

Reflective panel or mirror 400 is configured to be received within acavity or on a surface of secondary cover portion 350. In the exampleshown, the secondary cover portion 350 includes openings 370 into whichmay be received fixation members 360 for securing reflective panel 400in place once positioned within or on the secondary cover portion 350.Alternatively, plasticly deformable elements may be provided to permitthe mirror or reflective component to be “snapped” in place to form asubassembly with cover 300 and outer panel or top cover 200.Alternatively, reflective panel or mirror 400 may be affixed tosecondary cover portion 350 by adhesive means and materials. Reflectivepanel or mirror 400 has at least one side having a reflective surfaceportion revealed to a user with rotatable cover 300 in an open position.

Cover portions 340 and 350 are configured with dimensions so thatsecondary cover portion 350 is received at least partially withinprimary cover portion 340. In the example shown, secondary cover portion360 includes a hinge feature 390 for instance disposed at both ends ofthe back edge of the secondary cover portion and located to cooperatewith complimentary hinge features 392 provided along the back edge ofprimary cover portion 340. Bottom cover 600 is attached to the base orpalette 500, e.g., such as by adhesive or other connecting panel 620and/or in combination with plastically deformable components formed inthe various cover and base pieces. Bottom cover 600 is provided withcomplimentary hinge features 640 for instance at opposite ends of theback edge of the bottom cover as shown. Pins 380 or the like areprovided and inserted into receiving channels or bores formed in one orboth of the sets of hinge features 390 and/or 392 and hinge features 640fix the cover 300 to the base or palette 500 by way of bottom cover 600.In this manner cover 300 is allowed to rotate from open and closedpositions providing a pivoting or hinging of the cover 300.

FIG. 13 presents a cross-section view of the customizable case 100 ofFIG. 12 in an unexploded, assembled state with cover or lid 300(340/350) in a closed position. The features as described above withreference to FIG. 12 are shown in cross-section for illustration.

While the invention has been described by reference to certain preferredembodiments, it should be understood that numerous changes could be madewithin the spirit and scope of the inventive concept described. Also,the present invention is not to be limited in scope by the specificembodiments described herein. It is fully contemplated that othervarious embodiments of and modifications to the present invention, inaddition to those described herein, will become apparent to those ofordinary skill in the art from the foregoing description andaccompanying drawings. Thus, such other embodiments and modificationsare intended to fall within the scope of the following appended claims.Further, although the present invention has been described herein in thecontext of particular embodiments and implementations and applicationsand in particular environments, those of ordinary skill in the art willappreciate that its usefulness is not limited thereto and that thepresent invention can be beneficially applied in any number of ways andenvironments for any number of purposes. Accordingly, the claims setforth below should be construed in view of the full breadth and spiritof the present invention as disclosed herein.

What is claimed is:
 1. A customizable cosmetics case comprising: apalette base comprising a set of individual compartments for storingtherein a set of cosmetic products; a cover having an outer surface andan inner surface, the cover adapted to be rotatably connected to thepalette base along one side of the palette base; a transparent outerpanel adapted to be removably disposed on the outer surface of thecover; a set of decorative elements selectable by a user and placeableby the user in a custom arrangement on the outer surface of the cover; ahinge arrangement operatively connecting the cover to the palette baseand allowing the cover to be rotated from a closed position to an openposition; and a reflective panel disposed intermediate the palette baseand the cover and being concealed to a user with the cover in a closedposition and revealed to the user with the cover in an open position;whereby one or more decorative elements selected by a user and placed onthe outer surface of the cover are viewable through and protected by thetransparent outer panel; whereby with the cover in a closed position thecontents of the palette base are enclosed and protected from inadvertentcontact or spillage.
 2. The customizable case of claim 1, wherein thehinge arrangement includes a pair of hinge components operativelyconnecting the cover to the palette base.
 3. The customizable case ofclaim 1, wherein the palette base comprises a palette having a set ofcosmetic product receptacles, a bottom cover, and a first hingecomponent, and the cover comprises a second hinge component configuredto cooperate with the first hinge component to provide for rotation ofthe cover about an axis parallel with a back edge of the cover and aback edge of the palette base.
 4. The customizable case of claim 3,wherein a back portion of the cover and a back portion of the palettebase come into contact to provide a stop or limit to the rotationalmovement of the cover about the axis and thereby define a fully openposition.
 5. The customizable case of claim 1 further comprising a setof channels disposed along the sides of the cover to receive thetransparent panel and a set of locking features to semi-permanentlyaffix the transparent panel in place on the cover and over the outersurface of the cover.
 6. The customizable case of claim 1, wherein thereflective panel is affixed to an interior surface of the cover.
 7. Thecustomizable case of claim 1, wherein the palette base includes a set ofremovable cosmetic product receptacles, whereby a user may remove theset of removable cosmetic product receptacles and insert a replacementset of cosmetic product receptacles.
 8. The customizable case of claim1, further comprising a cover retention mechanism configured to retainthe cover in a closed position to prevent undesired rotation of thecover about the hinge.
 9. A method for selecting and assembling a set ofcosmetic case and adornment components to arrive at an interchangeablycustomizable cosmetic case, the method comprising: presenting a userwith a plurality of sets of decorative items for selection by the user;selecting, by the user, a set of decorative items from the plurality ofsets of decorative items, the selected set of decorative items for usein decorating a customizable cosmetic product, the customizable cosmeticproduct having a removable transparent panel and a display area forreceiving selected sets of decorative items for display; receiving, bythe user, the selected set of decorative or adornment items; removing,by the user, the transparent panel to render accessible the displayarea; placing, by the user, in a custom manner decorative items from theselected set of decorative items on the display area and returning theremoved transparent panel to the cover over the display area andsecuring the transparent panel to the cover using a locking meansprovided on the customizable cosmetic product;
 10. The method of claim9, further comprising: establishing, by a user operating a remotedevice, a connection with a central server operated by a cosmeticprovider; presenting, by the central server, a user interface configuredto enable the user to view and select from the plurality of sets ofdecorative items.
 11. The method of claim 9, further comprising: at atime subsequent to an initial placement of decorative items, removing,by the user, the transparent panel and selectively changing, adding,and/or removing decorative items on the display surface and replacingthe transparent panel thereby altering the appearance of thecustomizable cosmetics product.
 12. The method of claim 9, furthercomprising placing, by a user, a set of personal items on the displaysurface to personalize the customizable cosmetic product.